The Kii Mountains have long been revered as holy ground. The three sacred sites of the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes that connect them are healing spots which overflow with natural energy created by large rocks, vegetation, and waterfalls. Walking can be enjoyed in distances and times according to your preferences, from casual 30-minute routes to challenging full-blown trekking routes that take an entire day. Tours together with storytellers who describe Kumano's history, nature, and legends also offer a deeper look at Kumano that is different from guidebooks.

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Hot springs are very special and indispensible to the Japanese people. Since ancient times they have served not only as a way to relieve fatigue but also as a place for people to interact and treat illnesses. There are many hot springs in Wakayama, which is especially remarkable for its abundant variety of hot springs. Wakayama has the oldest hot spring in Japan (which is also the world's only hot spring designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), hot springs that jut out into the ocean, hot springs that well up by carving out river beds, and "secret" hot springs in the mountains. Each has its own water color and quality, effects, and ways to enjoy the scenery. Why not spend a blissful time in a hot spring while savoring the landscape of the four seasons?

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Wakayama is located on the west side of Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan, and is blessed by abundant nature. In particular, the area from Shirahama Town to Kushimoto Town is home to many unique and picturesque locations. In Shirahama, don't miss gazing at Engetsu Island as the sun is going down, as well as the caves of Sandanbeki where you can see the waves splashing right before your eyes. Kushimoto is home to the Hashigui Rocks, a line of approximately 40 unusually shaped rocks ranging in size from large to small. You'll never forget these examples of mystical and dynamic natural scenery which can't be enjoyed in cities.

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Wakayama Castle was the residence of the Kishu-Tokugawa Clan. It has a very fascinating construction including the white-walled castle tower and strong stone walls and outer moats. Wakayama Castle is the most famous spot in Wakayama to view cherry blossoms, and in the spring 600 cherry trees bloom all at once. Momijidani Garden inside the castle is beautifully maintained, and visitors can experience wabi-sabi (the Japanese aesthetic focused on the acceptance of transience) at the tea room located in the garden. Yuasa Town is the birthplace of soy sauce, a seasoning that is indispensible to Japan; famous soy sauces from all over Japan were created by techniques which spread from Yuasa. Yuasa's soy sauce has become a famous brand which is even now used at famous shops in France, and chefs come all the way to Yuasa to buy it. Old, elegant townscapes still remain inside the town, where it's possible to view the soy sauce breweries. In this way, visitors can experience Japanese culture which has its origin in Wakayama.

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